Genome assembly and population genomics of the Apennine brown bear

Our study explores how climate change, urbanisation, and species recovery impact human-wildlife interactions, focusing on the Apennine brown bear in Central Italy. By assembling a chromosome-level genome and resequencing high-coverage samples, we found reduced genomic diversity, high inbreeding, and unique genetic signatures linked to tameness and behavioural adaptation. These findings suggest that human-induced selection may have shaped the bear traits, enabling its long-term persistence and coexistence with humans despite a small population size.